It was with deep sadness that we had to say goodbye to Ava's cousin Mason Ryder. Mason passed away last week from lung complications due to his prematurity, shortly after his 2nd birthday.
My cousin Christi (Mason's mom) was very supportive and encouraging during our trials in the NICU, and for that I am forever grateful. She had been thru a similar situation with Mason in the NICU and was able to share her experience for our gain. Christi and her husband Bill's devotion to Mason was very inspiring. I remember how they made the trip from Portland to Montana (north of Missoula) for our family reunion last July. They went thru great lengths to get oxygen for Mason in the remote location of our reunion. Even though tethered to oxygen, Mason and his parents' spirit endured and they lived life to the fullest extent possible. Mason was a miracle in his own right, and proved that over and over again.
Mason and his parents taught us all to enjoy life and remember sometimes the best rewards are the intangibles. My own reminder of this is how overjoyed I was to hear Ava's cry the first time, as prior to that she could not cry due to the ventilator she was on when born. For me, it helps put things in perspective and reminds me to not complain about her crying or fussing.
Love to Mason and his family. We will miss him dearly and remember him fondly.
Mason fishing with Mama and Pom Pomp (grandpa) in Montana:
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2 comments:
Your entire family is in our prayers. My heart aches for your loss. We will continue to keep your cousin in our prayers as they deal with this difficult time.
so so sad!! What a brave little boy he was. Thinking of them!!
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